AS CELTIC prepare for what looks to be a busy 2025 summer transfer window, questions around squad depth and overall quality are beginning to resurface, particularly in light of the club’s ambition to push deeper into the UEFA Champions League. While plenty of attention is understandably focused on the forward line following key departures and injuries, the conversation around the centre-back pairing is also gaining traction, especially regarding whether Auston Trusty is the right long-term fit next to Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Trusty, who joined Celtic on the August deadlien day, has divided opinion among fans and pundits. Some see a defender with strong fundamentals and consistency in the back line, while others feel there’s a ceiling to what he offers, particularly in a team that needs defenders to contribute to the build-up phase. Celtic will need these same fundamentals if they want to secure the domestic treble this season, as they play Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final. For this game, most bookmakers not on GamStop have placed them as favourites with odds of 1/7, which will leave fans optimistic and lead to many punters placing wagers on the Hoops, although such bets may not be the most profitable.
This potential silverware sweep raises the stakes for every player in the squad, putting even greater focus on whether Trusty’s defensive contributions are enough to meet both domestic expectations and European ambitions. Statistically, Trusty has delivered impressive defensive numbers. His passing accuracy is among the highest when compared to other centre-backs in Europe’s top leagues over the past year. He’s also been above average in areas like tackling and clearances per 90 minutes, making him a dependable option when it comes to shutting down opposition attacks and managing the defensive third effectively.
However, those numbers only tell part of the story. What Trusty currently lacks is a more expansive, progressive style of play that would support Celtic’s dominant approach in domestic fixtures and match the demands of European nights. His metrics in terms of shot creation, carrying the ball into advanced areas, and completing dribbles are well below average. These aspects are vital for a club like Celtic that sees a lot of the ball and expects central defenders to support transitions from defence to attack.
That gap becomes more obvious in games where the team needs to move quickly and fluidly through the lines, especially against compact or high-pressing opponents. Trusty often opts for safer plays, recycling possession rather than advancing it with bold passes or movement. That hesitancy slows the tempo and puts more creative pressure on midfielders, who may not always have the space or time to dictate the game in European ties.
Still, it’s important to put Trusty’s performance into perspective. He has been a solid presence in a backline that often faces little domestic threat but is regularly tested in Europe. With Trusty signing his contract in 2024 on a five-year deal, which runs through 2029, and still only 26 years old, there’s time for development. The tools are there defensively, and with the right coaching and tactical tweaks, his passing range and on-ball confidence could grow.
Rather than seeing him as someone who needs to be replaced outright, Celtic may benefit from looking at ways to complement his skill set. A more progressive centre-back in rotation could give the team flexibility depending on the opponent, while also pushing Trusty to refine his weaker areas. If Celtic can strike that balance, they may get the best of both worlds—security at the back and improved tempo when in possession.
Ultimately, Trusty has shown that he can deliver what is asked of him from a defensive standpoint. What Celtic needs to decide now is whether that’s enough to match Brendan Rodgers’ European ambitions, especially after a stellar display against German giants Bayern Munich in the Round of 16 this season. Staying with the current setup could lead to stagnation, but rushing to move him out may be just as counterproductive. The smarter approach would be to treat this as a development opportunity for both the player and the overall structure of the squad.
